John, I never comment on UA-cam videos but feel compelled to today which is a testament to you! I have watched a ton of your paddle reviews over the years and ALWAYS find tremendous value in the extent of coverage and detail in your reviews. I’m also a 4.0 - 4.5 player (in my own mind… lol) and I’ve been playing with the Gearbox Pro Elongated for some time, which for me, has helped elevate my entire game, even my kitchen play. I recently watched your review of the new GB Ultimate Hyper, which was awesome, and gave me confidence in my decision to have ordered that paddle. I’ve now had the chance to play with it for 2 sessions, and omg, it seems to be a game changer again for me. So thank you for that! But now, the reason I chose to comment for the first time tonight is based on all that, AND… what you offered us in this video! I feel tonight, you set yourself apart from all of the other PB podcasters and gave your audience a gift! The information shared in this video is valuable to any level player, and I can’t thank you enough for thinking outside the box and sharing your time with Scott , who was AMAZING, with all of us. You are a gift to the PB Community. Please keep doing what you are doing!!!
Good stuff. I've heard him a bunch on 4.0 to Pro Podcast. Good to finally see him. Always great advice. Kew - you need a 65 inch TV not that monitor. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Wow! Thanks John for documenting ur journey! Being new to pickleball and watching this podcast with the analysis and drill suggestions by Scott has provided me a plan to start improving my game!
In the highlights of Scott’s senior pro play I recognized his doubles partner. I was hitting around by myself after a rainy morning while the courts in my hometown dried. This was in of Kearney Nebraska. A couple guys were drilling about and asked if I wanted to join in! I had no idea I was playing with a senior pro until we had finished up! Small world.
Great video, relevant topics and an awesome coach - Scott appears to be a very knowledgeable, experienced and well rounded coach who teaches not only technique, tactics and strategy but also things like deliberate decision making, team communication, mindset, etc. ... unlike the many "wannabe UA-cam coaches" who give advice without much coaching knowledge and experience. I especially liked Scotts commentary on the importance of a) making an extra step/half-step in order to keep shoulders level and posture balanced and b) deliberate planning of 1-2 shots ahead when serving or returning serve before the ball is in play.
This series is a good idea as it applies to many more serious players. Agree with 2 keys to playing better ... Shot Selection, including staying aggressive but being smart about it, and consistency. Like the term modulation, makes me think of being aware to concentrate on keeping a consistent mindset. It's so easy to get lakadaisical and lose focus.
I'm glad to hear that this has broader appeal. It's not comfortable for my own story to be the center of attention, but I did this because I think Scott's coaching (and my relatability) could help a bunch of other people
Very helpful video John, thanks! Love hearing the strategy aspect of which shot or shots are the best option in different situations! And the more tools/skills we have in our arsenal the better we can implement our best shot strategy! Learned a lot! Thanks and happy holidays!
So many times I have felt "glued to the court" and unable to respond because I was not planted and ready to respond to whatever the other side did. I am still mentally responding to the previous shot rather than preparing for the next. There are so many equipment variables: indoor/outdoor balls, ball mfgr, court surface, wind, temp, lighting... that throwing in multiple paddles is sort of nuts. It seems that settling on one and learning how to best use it would be the best philosophy. New clubs seldom fix a flawed golf game.
Excellent. John, you dodged a bullet when Scott asked you about your vision … thought he might have gone there with line calls. 😂 Now I know what that guy meant when he called me an irritating instigator.
@@johnkewpickleball Speaking of instigating … I just came up with a good one. We have played with many of the same people at our Lifetime for around two years … so pickleball family. The entire group has improved, most impressed with the ladies. I need to get a bunch of eye doc business cards, and hand them out to my secret Santa's. Their job will be to randomly hand them to a male player (I have a couple in mind, but would pick just one for “operation mess with a member”. How about this … they hand him a card and say: “I’ve noticed you have been having trouble with line calls, and I think we would all benefit if you went to this eye doctor”. 😜
“Let’s talk about what you think you do well!” “I’m going to talk about what I think I do poorly… one of them is mindset.” This seems related - overly focusing on your weaknesses over your strengths is going to lean towards a negative mindset - especially in the clutch moments. The best tennis coach I’ve ever had used to say that It’s much easier to play well by thinking about how to leverage your strengths rather than trying to avoid your weaknesses. For how great of a player John is, he gets down on himself a lot. I love Scott as a coach for John - he really makes an effort to point out John’s strengths.
Haha, this isn't lost on me. I'm 100 percent my own worst enemy on the court. Mindset is one of the things I want to work on in this series, and we'll bring in a mental coach at some point
Awesome episode. Seems like lots of folks are putting out "getting to the next level" content. This is one of the better ones. John - Thx for being open and honest about where you are and where you want to be. Scott - Heard you on "4.0 to Pro". Great to put a face to the voice. You were an asset there as you are here.
Enjoy watching Scott play which is NOT often sadly. Learned he's #1 in combined DUPR in Seniors. Fun Fact, i'm friends with his DOPPELGANGER. That RIPPLE sounds just like my (concept) OM EVO eva core. Love this "level up" format for a pod.
Super excited to see this as a series! as Im around 4.0 (though a lot older and not as fit) Followed Scott when he was on 4.0 to Pro podcast and found his analysis great. Would love to see bigger and slow mo video in the future... and Scott controlling it.😂 Agree about using shirt colours or something other than first names. Also going to need a Scott lexicon/dictionary for cornhole, defcon etc😅 I'll be watching to see if you solve our common straight legged issue even following a split-step. Also, any way you could put those very useful summary points in the video in something that could be copied as text in the notes? Can't wait for the next video! Great that you have a goal and are working to achieve it and allowing us to come along for the ride😊👏
@@johnkewpickleball I realise I'm asking for you to do even more and you will also be adding drilling to your already busy schedule but personally I would prefer to see this than more paddle/gear reviews. Don't burn out!
John, this is fantastic. I’m right there with you looking ahead to 2025 and focusing on improving. My struggles are similar-mental consistency and drilling more instead of just playing. My wife (my doubles partner) and I are finally starting drills this week after Christmas. But I have to be completely honestly, I don’t know how you sit in the studio with all those magnificent paddles around you and a mentor like Scott right there with you. I’d be grabbing a few paddles and dragging him to the court to drill and play. You’re far more patient and focused than I’d ever be-credit to you for that! Thank you for all you do and allowing us a peak inside of your Journey. Also, John what are you using right now as your "Go to" paddle right now?
Good to hear this series resonates with you, and we'll definitely incorporate some court time together in the series. My go-to paddle right now is split between the 11six24 Vapor Power (unreleased) and the Apes Pulse V
@@johnkewpickleball Thanks. A quick question At the end of the video, you had the following: HOMEWORK FOR NEXT EPISODE ✅Split-Step/Heightened Awareness ✅Shorter Backswing ✅Instigator Drill ❌4-Person Drill, 5 MPH Speed Limit ❌Drill >50% Time on Court Why are the bottom two with Red X's (❌) instead of green check marks (✅)? Sorry to be a pain, but I watched the video, and then my wife (my doubles partner) sat down. I had her watch it so we could take some notes, and she noticed it, and we both were unsure what it meant.
I think it would be good to see some in depth discussion on paddle position (and body position) between shots on a rally. It's something I've been focusing on for a while and it's helped my game. Being consistent having the paddle in the right position depending on your court position and where the next shot is coming from is important. As an example of something i see with a lot of players is having your paddle below the net level and at your side while at the kitchen.
John, I don't know if this is going to make sense. Being a geek by training and natural propensity, I've noticed a certain type of body motion among many geeks that is a bit....angular and jerky, for lack of a better word. I believe that this is tied to how we are neurologically wired. It is subtle but obvious and relates to how we contract our muscles in terms of pace and coordination. When video taped myself, my very first thought was, "I move like Kew." So what helped is to try to rewire my brain by intentionally move more gracefully and smoothly. It is difficult to explain but basically look at the pros, and then mentally relax and try to move gracefully. In my case, I think of myself being more ballerina like. It has helped me become more accurate and lithe. I still have miles to go but recent research has shown that the brain is remarkably malleable even into the 50s and 60s.
Your observation about being a better partner is very familiar to me. I am very low key and never criticize but I also don't hype up. I am not all that competitive and am ok with losing. But I also do notice that my partners often play worse with me and wonder why.
Great concept for a podcast. I’ll definitely be following your journey. One suggestion. Please avoid using players first names and use left side, right side. For example, I don’t know “Dirk” and it’s sometimes hard to follow the advice. Thanks
Well we are not computers or AI machine . Too much thinking just follow your style and stick to your comfort every one is diff age/level/ flexibility etc.... it will come to you. All these trainers r for financial benefits. So just enjoy PB and you will improve . Going after Dupr or ranking will take the fun out of it.
This will be a VERY successful series of videos. 👍🏿 It may not add up to much but you might consider “buy me a coffee” to help subsidize the additional expenses incurred in their production.
From what I’ve gathered watching your podcasts, especially this one, is that you aren’t as accepting to critique as you think you are. It seems you already think you know what you are doing wrong and you just want Scott to confirm your assumptions. I’d say just forgo all your assumptions and preconceived notions and implement Scott’s advice without exception.
On the contrary, I am very impressed by Kew's humility and openness to feedback. He's self deprecating to a fault - and probably would do better in the mental game if he balances with appropriate positive self affirmation.
John, I never comment on UA-cam videos but feel compelled to today which is a testament to you! I have watched a ton of your paddle reviews over the years and ALWAYS find tremendous value in the extent of coverage and detail in your reviews. I’m also a 4.0 - 4.5 player (in my own mind… lol) and I’ve been playing with the Gearbox Pro Elongated for some time, which for me, has helped elevate my entire game, even my kitchen play. I recently watched your review of the new GB Ultimate Hyper, which was awesome, and gave me confidence in my decision to have ordered that paddle. I’ve now had the chance to play with it for 2 sessions, and omg, it seems to be a game changer again for me. So thank you for that! But now, the reason I chose to comment for the first time tonight is based on all that, AND… what you offered us in this video! I feel tonight, you set yourself apart from all of the other PB podcasters and gave your audience a gift! The information shared in this video is valuable to any level player, and I can’t thank you enough for thinking outside the box and sharing your time with Scott , who was AMAZING, with all of us. You are a gift to the PB Community. Please keep doing what you are doing!!!
Same here on the GB PPE wanting to move to the HYPER. Holding off until more time passes for any QC issues that may arise.
Absolutely awesome stuff from the coach. Love this series already and cant wait until the next one!
Great stuff !!! Can't wait till the next episode.
Good for you for being honest and open to criticism on your own show.
Amazing video, please do more. I also like that you edited it so each rally had a different tip and that it wasnt all just the same critique
Good stuff. I've heard him a bunch on 4.0 to Pro Podcast. Good to finally see him. Always great advice. Kew - you need a 65 inch TV not that monitor. Thanks for sharing your journey.
For sure - adding a big TV to today's shopping list!
Love this! Been a fan of Scott’s for a long time and obviously John Kew! I found this super helpful. Thank you so much!!
really like this John. Thx to Scott
Love this already! Only halfway through the video! Great intro!
Wow! Thanks John for documenting ur journey! Being new to pickleball and watching this podcast with the analysis and drill suggestions by Scott has provided me a plan to start improving my game!
Awesome! Looking forward to more.
In the highlights of Scott’s senior pro play I recognized his doubles partner. I was hitting around by myself after a rainy morning while the courts in my hometown dried. This was in of Kearney Nebraska. A couple guys were drilling about and asked if I wanted to join in! I had no idea I was playing with a senior pro until we had finished up! Small world.
Great video, relevant topics and an awesome coach - Scott appears to be a very knowledgeable, experienced and well rounded coach who teaches not only technique, tactics and strategy but also things like deliberate decision making, team communication, mindset, etc. ... unlike the many "wannabe UA-cam coaches" who give advice without much coaching knowledge and experience.
I especially liked Scotts commentary on the importance of a) making an extra step/half-step in order to keep shoulders level and posture balanced and b) deliberate planning of 1-2 shots ahead when serving or returning serve before the ball is in play.
This series is a good idea as it applies to many more serious players. Agree with 2 keys to playing better ... Shot Selection, including staying aggressive but being smart about it, and consistency. Like the term modulation, makes me think of being aware to concentrate on keeping a consistent mindset. It's so easy to get lakadaisical and lose focus.
I'm glad to hear that this has broader appeal. It's not comfortable for my own story to be the center of attention, but I did this because I think Scott's coaching (and my relatability) could help a bunch of other people
Fantastic, I really look forward to this series! My game is in the same spot, great analysis from Scott
Great idea for an episode, and great ideas from the episode. Very helpful. Thank you.
Loved this John, keep up the brilliant work!
Very helpful video John, thanks! Love hearing the strategy aspect of which shot or shots are the best option in different situations! And the more tools/skills we have in our arsenal the better we can implement our best shot strategy! Learned a lot! Thanks and happy holidays!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Look forward to coming along on your journey
So many times I have felt "glued to the court" and unable to respond because I was not planted and ready to respond to whatever the other side did. I am still mentally responding to the previous shot rather than preparing for the next.
There are so many equipment variables: indoor/outdoor balls, ball mfgr, court surface, wind, temp, lighting... that throwing in multiple paddles is sort of nuts. It seems that settling on one and learning how to best use it would be the best philosophy. New clubs seldom fix a flawed golf game.
Looking forward for the journey
Excellent. John, you dodged a bullet when Scott asked you about your vision … thought he might have gone there with line calls. 😂
Now I know what that guy meant when he called me an irritating instigator.
Haha, my mind immediately went to vision as in conceptualization, so it took me a minute to understand
@@johnkewpickleball Speaking of instigating … I just came up with a good one. We have played with many of the same people at our Lifetime for around two years … so pickleball family. The entire group has improved, most impressed with the ladies. I need to get a bunch of eye doc business cards, and hand them out to my secret Santa's. Their job will be to randomly hand them to a male player (I have a couple in mind, but would pick just one for “operation mess with a member”.
How about this … they hand him a card and say:
“I’ve noticed you have been having trouble with line calls, and I think we would all benefit if you went to this eye doctor”. 😜
Good podcast, looking forward to more!
Good stuff. Scott is a beast. Excited to see what you can do with his help!
“Let’s talk about what you think you do well!”
“I’m going to talk about what I think I do poorly… one of them is mindset.”
This seems related - overly focusing on your weaknesses over your strengths is going to lean towards a negative mindset - especially in the clutch moments. The best tennis coach I’ve ever had used to say that It’s much easier to play well by thinking about how to leverage your strengths rather than trying to avoid your weaknesses.
For how great of a player John is, he gets down on himself a lot.
I love Scott as a coach for John - he really makes an effort to point out John’s strengths.
Haha, this isn't lost on me. I'm 100 percent my own worst enemy on the court. Mindset is one of the things I want to work on in this series, and we'll bring in a mental coach at some point
I absolutely love this show!!!
One thing I noticed through all of the rallies was cement feet. Rarely shuffling sideways once you got to the kitchen
Awesome episode. Seems like lots of folks are putting out "getting to the next level" content. This is one of the better ones.
John - Thx for being open and honest about where you are and where you want to be.
Scott - Heard you on "4.0 to Pro". Great to put a face to the voice. You were an asset there as you are here.
Enjoy watching Scott play which is NOT often sadly. Learned he's #1 in combined DUPR in Seniors. Fun Fact, i'm friends with his DOPPELGANGER.
That RIPPLE sounds just like my (concept) OM EVO eva core.
Love this "level up" format for a pod.
This is YT gold. Keep it up! Subscribed.
I know, Scott knows his stuff. Cause he's an Eagles fan! Go Birds!! Go John Kew 💪 👏🏽 !
Super excited to see this as a series! as Im around 4.0 (though a lot older and not as fit) Followed Scott when he was on 4.0 to Pro podcast and found his analysis great. Would love to see bigger and slow mo video in the future... and Scott controlling it.😂 Agree about using shirt colours or something other than first names. Also going to need a Scott lexicon/dictionary for cornhole, defcon etc😅
I'll be watching to see if you solve our common straight legged issue even following a split-step.
Also, any way you could put those very useful summary points in the video in something that could be copied as text in the notes? Can't wait for the next video! Great that you have a goal and are working to achieve it and allowing us to come along for the ride😊👏
Great feedback and tips - thanks!
@@johnkewpickleball I realise I'm asking for you to do even more and you will also be adding drilling to your already busy schedule but personally I would prefer to see this than more paddle/gear reviews. Don't burn out!
This is an amazing show! Thank you. Exactly the kind of content i was hoping for
John, this is fantastic. I’m right there with you looking ahead to 2025 and focusing on improving. My struggles are similar-mental consistency and drilling more instead of just playing. My wife (my doubles partner) and I are finally starting drills this week after Christmas.
But I have to be completely honestly, I don’t know how you sit in the studio with all those magnificent paddles around you and a mentor like Scott right there with you. I’d be grabbing a few paddles and dragging him to the court to drill and play. You’re far more patient and focused than I’d ever be-credit to you for that!
Thank you for all you do and allowing us a peak inside of your Journey.
Also, John what are you using right now as your "Go to" paddle right now?
Good to hear this series resonates with you, and we'll definitely incorporate some court time together in the series. My go-to paddle right now is split between the 11six24 Vapor Power (unreleased) and the Apes Pulse V
@@johnkewpickleball Thanks. A quick question At the end of the video, you had the following:
HOMEWORK FOR NEXT EPISODE
✅Split-Step/Heightened Awareness
✅Shorter Backswing
✅Instigator Drill
❌4-Person Drill, 5 MPH Speed Limit
❌Drill >50% Time on Court
Why are the bottom two with Red X's (❌) instead of green check marks (✅)?
Sorry to be a pain, but I watched the video, and then my wife (my doubles partner) sat down. I had her watch it so we could take some notes, and she noticed it, and we both were unsure what it meant.
Great stuff. Thank you!
I think it would be good to see some in depth discussion on paddle position (and body position) between shots on a rally. It's something I've been focusing on for a while and it's helped my game. Being consistent having the paddle in the right position depending on your court position and where the next shot is coming from is important. As an example of something i see with a lot of players is having your paddle below the net level and at your side while at the kitchen.
Great point, and we do intend to discuss paddle position in subsequent episodes (e.g., teeter-totter relationship between paddle, net, and ball)
great stuff as always
This is great.
John, I don't know if this is going to make sense. Being a geek by training and natural propensity, I've noticed a certain type of body motion among many geeks that is a bit....angular and jerky, for lack of a better word. I believe that this is tied to how we are neurologically wired. It is subtle but obvious and relates to how we contract our muscles in terms of pace and coordination. When video taped myself, my very first thought was, "I move like Kew." So what helped is to try to rewire my brain by intentionally move more gracefully and smoothly. It is difficult to explain but basically look at the pros, and then mentally relax and try to move gracefully. In my case, I think of myself being more ballerina like. It has helped me become more accurate and lithe. I still have miles to go but recent research has shown that the brain is remarkably malleable even into the 50s and 60s.
Great video.
Your observation about being a better partner is very familiar to me. I am very low key and never criticize but I also don't hype up. I am not all that competitive and am ok with losing. But I also do notice that my partners often play worse with me and wonder why.
I made it to 1:51 before noticing the Pulse X. Please explain... (Pulse V is my main)
Good eyes! The X will be a new elongated shape Apes is offering. More of a standard 16.5 x 7.5 elongated
I saw the Pulse V back there also.
@@johnkewpickleball Nice! Hoping for a 116ish SW and 6.5+ TW. If so, I would definitely give it a try. Love the V!
Great concept for a podcast. I’ll definitely be following your journey. One suggestion. Please avoid using players first names and use left side, right side. For example, I don’t know “Dirk” and it’s sometimes hard to follow the advice. Thanks
Well we are not computers or AI machine . Too much thinking just follow your style and stick to your comfort every one is diff age/level/ flexibility etc.... it will come to you. All these trainers r for financial benefits. So just enjoy PB and you will improve . Going after Dupr or ranking will take the fun out of it.
Pulse X?? Is that a hybrid with flat top?
That TV needs to be twice as big 😂
Haha, yep - the next episode will have a much bigger one
This will be a VERY successful series of videos. 👍🏿
It may not add up to much but you might consider “buy me a coffee” to help subsidize the additional expenses incurred in their production.
Go birds
From what I’ve gathered watching your podcasts, especially this one, is that you aren’t as accepting to critique as you think you are. It seems you already think you know what you are doing wrong and you just want Scott to confirm your assumptions. I’d say just forgo all your assumptions and preconceived notions and implement Scott’s advice without exception.
Interesting. I think what you’re seeing is that I’m uncomfortable accepting compliments
On the contrary, I am very impressed by Kew's humility and openness to feedback. He's self deprecating to a fault - and probably would do better in the mental game if he balances with appropriate positive self affirmation.